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title: Traveling to France
description: Traveling to France
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 Sep 10, 2023 12:00:00 AM

# Traveling to France

[Stephen Bergmann](https://asommabroad.com/considerations-when-traveling-for-wine/author/stephen-bergmann)

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France is the crown jewel of wine.  This culture established the "Noble Grapes" - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah (Shiraz), Riesling and Semillon.  The concept that Terroir, the unique growing conditions of little patches of ground, could be reflected in the wine is French.  Basically, France defined what wine should taste like internationally.  The two most expensive wines in the world are French, one a Bordeaux, one a Burgundy.  Great French wines, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire, and Alsace can last 50 years or more.  So, if you are not trying to visit France wineries, you really are not trying to understand wine.

![Riquewihr in Alsace.](https://asommabroad.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/dsc00228.jpg)

France has some of the greatest regions in the world and still ranks as the biggest producer of wine world wide.  Bordeaux is the home of amazing Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blends.  Bourgogne (Burgundy) is the home of the greatest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and honestly Gamay in Beaujolais is one of the best daily drinking wines on the planet.  The Loire Valley is both the summer home of Kings and the home of Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc and delightful Muscadet!.  Chenin Blanc in the Loire can age 50-100 years!  Add the incredible rosé from Provence, the amazingly historical Chateauneuf du Pape and you can the most singular wine country to visit.  But, that's not all!  Languedoc-Roussillion is home to wonderful quality (and the most amazing walled city - Carcassonne!), Alsace is a tremendous gem of dry whites and Savoie and Jura make some interesting and lesser known biodynamic wines.  Oh, I forgot to mention Champagne...  Do I need to?

![Clos de Veugeot and surrounding fields.](https://asommabroad.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/45-clos-de-veugeot.jpg)

A trip to France is a must for anyone wanting to really understand and appreciate wine.  There is nothing like the quality.  A Somm Abroad can help you connect with wineries all over France and recommend wines that will fit your palate.

## Varietals

### Red

- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Syrah
- Cabernet Franc
- Grenache
- Mourvèdre
- Malbec

### White

- Chardonnay
- Sémillon
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Riesling
- Viognier
- Chenin Blanc
- Gewurtztraminer
- Pinot Gris
- Marsanne
- Aligoté

## Notable Names

- Too many to place here.  See the regional names.

## Notable Regions

- Bordeaux
- [Burgundy](https://asommabroad.com/2018/01/24/burgundy/)
- [Loire](https://asommabroad.com/2018/01/27/loire-valley/)
- Champagne
- Rhone
- [Alsace](https://asommabroad.com/home/france/alsace/)
- Languedoc-Rousillon
- Provence
- Savoie
- Jura
- Corsica

## Related posts

[![](https://asommabroad.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/bushtrained-vines-in-croatia.jpg)](https://asommabroad.com/considerations-when-traveling-for-wine/diversions-in-croatia)

## [Diversions in Croatia](https://asommabroad.com/considerations-when-traveling-for-wine/diversions-in-croatia)

[Stephen Bergmann](https://asommabroad.com/considerations-when-traveling-for-wine/author/stephen-bergmann) 

 Oct 1, 2023 12:00:00 AM

This is one of the most beautiful (and expensive countries) I've ever visited. Things simply grow...

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## [A Wine Safari in South Africa](https://asommabroad.com/considerations-when-traveling-for-wine/a-wine-safari-in-south-africa)

[Stephen Bergmann](https://asommabroad.com/considerations-when-traveling-for-wine/author/stephen-bergmann) 

 Sep 17, 2023 12:00:00 AM

If you are on safari, consider South Africa. South Africa was once a backwater of industrialized...

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[![On the wine trail](https://asommabroad.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_7696.webp?height=200&name=IMG_7696.webp)](https://asommabroad.com/considerations-when-traveling-for-wine/considerations-when-traveling-for-wine)

## [Considerations when Traveling for Wine](https://asommabroad.com/considerations-when-traveling-for-wine/considerations-when-traveling-for-wine)

[Stephen Bergmann](https://asommabroad.com/considerations-when-traveling-for-wine/author/stephen-bergmann) 

 Sep 2, 2023 12:53:37 AM

Visiting a winery is one of the best experiences anyone even slightly interested in wine can have....

[Read more](https://asommabroad.com/considerations-when-traveling-for-wine/considerations-when-traveling-for-wine)

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